Every year in the competition cheerleading world, squads vie for their place among the best in the country at the annual Universal Cheerleader Association National Championships at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, Fla. Last winter, the Southern Regional High School team was part of the Division 1 Small Varsity field, made it through to the semifinals and just missed a spot in the finale.

Now, as the new season kicks into gear, coach Lisa Merlo’s Rams not only will be competing for their place on Disney’s…